Thursday, June 5, 2008

Allan Dykstra

As I wrote the other day, this isn't a need-based pick. Allan is a San Diego native from Rancho Bernardo HS who has been an All-American at Wake Forest. He's 6'5", almost 250 lbs and has monster power. Most importantly, he has skills to go along with that raw power.

Allan has had an unbelievably consistent collegiate career, as he's hit at least 15 homers while also drawing at least 50 walks in each of his three seasons - something nobody else in this draft has done. Allan also produced in the Cape Cod League batting over .300 with walks and power, so he has also proven his skills with a wood bat. In short, his track record is impeccable.

Given his size, power, and patience, comparisions have been drawn to Jim Thome.

I love this pick. Take the BPA and the fact that he's from Rancho Bernardo makes it even better. I watched the guy hit BOMBS in high school and I look forward to seeing him hit bombs at Petco. I just hope it's at a position other than 1B, even though most people don't think he can play a corner OF spot or 3B.

Dykstra does look a bit like Thome in style and approach. The problem I see, is he has a slight hiccup in his swing and he dives out in front of the plate; therefore he could be busted inside pretty well. Are there more scouting reports regarding him being able to turn on the inside pitch? Furthermore, isn't there concern because he is only a one position guy(which happens to be the systems best position, with Gonzo, Blanks, and now Dykstra)?

The consensus among self-styled draft experts at Padres blogs is that Dykstra would have still been on the board for your next pick. Do you disagree with that? Who do you think would have drafted him between 23 and your next pick?

Seriously? I've gotta say that Dykstra was my worst fear. Wouldn't he have been available at 42?...the consensus seems to be yes if you read all the publications. I know the brass will say that you "can't go off other projections," but as Padre fans I think we have a track record to look at when deciding whose opinion to trust. Sorry for my frustration, but I seem to remember a one-tool local kid we took as a first-rounder not working out before.

Paul, does the organization believe Dykstra can move to a new position? I know this wasn't a "need" pick, but it still seems strange to take a well-polished 1B (who should move fast) when our only impact offensive player mans the same position.

he's like jim thome exactly , thome is DHlast time i checked the padres are a NL team. sure he has power , he also has a below average glove , range , arm , speed and cannot play another posistion. he's a first baseman , and not a good one at that , and that's the only place that team is set. lame pick ( again )

• In conversations with scouts and execs, San Diego's draft is coming up on the list of "worst" drafts -- but I'm going to defend it for a moment. Allan Dykstra was an overdraft, especially since I don't see him playing third base in the majors, and Jaff Decker is going to have to hit at the right tail of his projections to be able to play every day in that huge park. But they got a potential sleeper in Logan Forsythe, who is a much better hitter than his overall stat line indicates and is a potential convert to catcher (he's caught some before, and one team that worked him out as a catcher predraft said he was a natural fit there).

So it isn't just the home fans who don't get it. Other teams, many of whom consistently outproduce the Padres think they had a bad draft.

So, as a follow up I have a question: I know it is a collaborative effort, but who ultimately is responsible for each draft pick? Is it Gayton or Grady Fuson? If it is Gayton, how much more rope does he get? After all, he has been Scouting Director for all drafts since 2001, and most of those were disasters. I thought when Fuson came in Gayton would be forced out. Has there been any thought to making a change?